Painting Aluminum (Especially Outdrives)

I wonder how long this thread is going to be at the top of this forum?
 
Until people stop asking how to paint their outdrive.
 
GeeBee, great writeup! I've used DuPont 225S and 226S with similar results, albeit on a hull not on an outdrive or gimbal housing and above waterline. Of the 2 different brands, would you recommend one more than the other, or is it a matter of personal preference? I'm redoing a mercruiser outdrive and luckily don't have aquamak's dilemma. Was going to use the DuPont simply because I have it but may give the alumaprep a try per your reply. Alas, I'm another victim of the "grass is greener" syndrome I suppose!
 
I have no experience with DuPont so I can't say. I can only attest to those products I have been using and had good results with.
 
Alodine 1201 should be rinsed with clean water (after the golden color appears). Do not allow the alodine to dry on the aluminum. Alodine is classified as a carcinogen and must be handled carefully. Wear skin and eye protection. Do a search on Alodine 1201 MSDS for more detailed safety info.

Rich
 
Nice Procedure GeeBee, the only problem with it is that using any cartridge respirator for any two part paint (where a hardener is involved) is quite simply not adequate protection, the only proper protection for this type of paint is a fresh air system.
 
Ok absorbed all the good advice here as I'm about to repaint my VP Duoprop O/D. I've ordered the factory VP Paint and primer (Duracoat). Thoroughly read the instructions and there's nothing there other than the obvious prep of the drive for primer and paint. I intend to give it a light sandblasting with walnut shells and if they can't cut the crud off I'll go with glass beads. I know there are some areas where I'll go through the old paint to the aluminum but after all I've read here (and what little I could find elsewhere) I'm wondering if I'll have to treat the bare metal? The other side of me is saying, damn the torpedos, blast the crap out of it and hit it with the spray bombs, dunk it in the water and see what happens!! *lol* Will post pics.
 
Rick, you have to etch aluminum period. Your paint job might look good, but it will not last.
 
I know this thread has been around awhile but ....

I need to paint a hydraulic jack plate that my outboard gets mounted on. this looks like a good prep for the aluminun plate. can one use a different paint other 2 part epoxies? I have already received the Alodine and Alumiprep from Spuce

Thanks
 
Yes, salty you can. Paint durability will be a function of the paint coating itself, not of the adhesion factor however.
 
Is there something that will work on a small touchup jusr for protection 1"x1"? Sort of like the stuff they sell for cars.
 
I went to the Auto Parts Paint Supply & Body Supply shop yesterday. I asked for Alodine and they looked at me like I had 3 heads. Nobody knew what it was any ideas for a source?
 
google it up. Aircraftspuce.com. Lots of other mail order places also.
 
Geebee

Although we really get into it politically, i wanted to take the time to thank you on preparing this section on painting aluminum. I sed it 2 years ago and it was great.

Jay
 
My pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
 
Taking delivery on my boat in May, I may not need this article for awhile, but it was an excellent read and I will file it away for future reference. As they say a boat is a hole in the water in which you throw money, and I am sure I will use your advice when winter comes around. Great article, Gee Bee!
 
OP - excellent write-up!! I have some spot repairs I want to do using this procedure. How do you feel about prepping the alum and etching for spot repairs. I will probably have them replaced under warranty but I'm ready to go in the water and their not THAT bad. If merc wants to recoat - this will be the specification to follow. TIA!
 
Quick question.... Can the process above be used to paint trim tabs, rudders, shafts, and props? Our boat is on a mooring for the first time and a diver who spent lots of time scraping the running gear recommended I paint all running gear with some type of anti-fouling next year. He did say to not paint anodes. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
ALK,

I used the dupont alumiprep/alodine as well, did yours turn the "golden color"? Mine did not...I etched and flushed twice prior to using alodine. Thanks

Mike
 
sorry Mike, just saw your question, not sure if you are still checking, but just in case - my drive turned 'yellowish' if I recall correctly, but it's been four years. The drive still looked very good three years later, when the clutch started slipping, and I bought a new drive.

in case anyone is reading this thread, I have aluminum window frames on my pacemaker - they look pretty rough - was thinking of trying this process again. Anyone have any good or bad experiences trying to paint window frames? less issues with being in the water than the drive had obviously, but more of an issue with sun.
 
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